Mourners gather for funeral of late New Jersey Congressman Donald Payne, Jr.
NEWARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- A funeral was held Thursday for the late New Jersey Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. in Newark.
Hundreds of mourners attended the service at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, including Congressional leaders like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Payne is being remembered as a dedicated public servant who proudly continued his family's legacy in the nation's Capitol.
He began serving New Jersey's 10th congressional district in 2012, which was the same year he lost his father, congressman Donald M. Payne. He would go on to take up his father's seat to continue the legacy he'd started in the Garden State.
It was noted when he championed clean water through lead-free pipes for Newark, he did it for the nation. When he championed safe streets and upgraded infrastructure for Newark, he did it for the country.
"Donald Payne you never failed Newark, you never failed her people, you never failed those who were struggling, you never failed those who needed a hand, you never failed a child that was looking for an education, you never failed me -- ever," said Sen. Cory Booker.
Rep. Maxine Waters also attended the service and spoke to Payne's character as a man.
"He had a good spirit. He was strong. He was courageous," she said.
He died last week nearly two weeks after suffering a cardiac event. He had battled diabetes for years and encouraged others to mind their own health.
He was 65 years old.
"He loved us. He loved the community, and whether you were family or foe, DP loved you," Donna Jackson, community activist, said.
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